Federal Government's New PLAN Doesn't Impress Broadcasters
Broadcasters have weighed in on the Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN) announced Tuesday by FEMA and the FCC. Despite the promising advancements in technology, they are officially unimpressed.
Broadcasters have weighed in on the Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN) announced Tuesday by FEMA and the FCC. Despite the promising advancements in technology, they are officially unimpressed.
NAB Statement on PLAN
NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton issued the following statement in response to the unveiling:
"We're pleased that cellphone carriers plan to live up to their promise to Congress five years ago to implement an emergency alert messaging system. However, when a cellular network goes down, customers will still be unable to access these 90-character warnings. As was evidenced in Alabama and other parts of the South just two weeks ago, there is no communications system that matches the life-saving immediacy of a local broadcast signal."
That the NAB would take such a position is not too surprising. Over the years, broadcasters have embraced their role in the Emergency Alert System as primary hometown crisis communicators. Weather broadcasts on radio and television are huge draws during major weather events. Further, broadcasters are currently replacing antiquated analog EAS decoders with shiny new digital versions on their own dime at the directive of the FCC. Finally (and perhaps most relevant), broadcasters generally support mandating the inclusion of an FM receiver chip within all U.S. mobile devices for emergency purposes (and for other commercial reasons no doubt). Understandably, anything perceived to weaken positions or threaten goals makes for unhappy campers.
Broadcasters and Emergency Management
We believe broadcasters play an absolutely critical role in informing citizens in times of crisis. Their willingness to step up to the plate and invest a part of their revenue stream in new EAS technology should be applauded. They will be the main focus of the national EAS test later this year. And, arguments for FM chips in mobile devices have merit. Ultimately, broadcasters' response illustrates EAS is important to them-something emergency managers should leverage through cooperation (as we discussed here).
We also believe there is no single "right way" to alert and warn citizens of danger. Our communication channels and preferences today are too myriad and complex to rely on any single notification method. As such, multiple approaches and technologies are needed to do the job well.
Here's hoping there is room for a variety of integrated warning technologies and practices. In all, let's keep the ball rolling on creating an unparalleled multi-modal "system of systems" to keep people safe and informed no matter where they are or what they are doing. Our citizens certainly deserve it.
Best regards,
Lorin
Lorin Bristow
Galain Solutions, Inc.
www.galainsolutions.com
